Oliver (This is Our Life Book 3)

by F. G. Adams

  The reflection from the moon emphasizes the sparkling jewel. He’s mine forever. I lightly place a kiss on his chin. I’m so in love with this man.

  “I know I’m not your first love, but if you’ll have me, I promise to be the last,” I barely voice, not wanting to disturb his slumber.

  Several minutes later, I’m drifting off to sleep when I hear him softly promise, “Baby, you’re the air that I breathe. You’re it for me, Fallyn. My everything.”

  26

  Oliver

  Sometimes bad things happen in our lives in order to put us directly on the path to some of the greatest things that will ever happen to us.

  Good things always come to those who truly believe.

  Better things come to those who are patient and wait.

  And the best things come to those who never give up.

  It’s Christmas Day. My chest thumps erratically at the impact of what will transpire today, releasing a flood of endorphins into my brain.

  Holy shit. The emotions overflowing in my body and soul feel balanced, right. I’ve never felt this way before. Ever.

  Not with my lost girl, Taylor. Not from the adrenaline that comes from the missions I’ve participated in. Never ever.

  My stomach heaves, the impression of being flipped inside out, and it’s not from the lack of food. Today’s the big day.

  Jocelyn and Keagan prepared a huge smorgasbord for lunch and dinner. ‘Linner,’ according to Harper. We consumed biscuits and gravy, grits, hash brown casserole, along with grilled steak, chicken, and vegetables. All the trimmings and fixings, Southern style. Best linner I’ve ever had.

  It appeared we’d have leftovers when everything was put out on the counter and table. Food for days. Although I didn’t consider the appetites of grown men and our ladies. The same women who love to eat, by the way. There was hardly anything left by the time we finished.

  My favorite part of the whole meal were the sausage balls, a Keagan specialty. It’s a combination of sausage and cheese with a biscuit-type dough, rolled up into a tiny ball and baked to golden perfection. Best if eaten hot, right out of the oven. Pop it in your mouth, and the flavors burst onto your tongue.

  Those little dollops of heaven were delicious, but especially so when Fallyn fed me one after the other. When I returned the favor, she licked my fingers clean. Keagan informed us to get a room.

  Almost had my sexy little vixen upstairs. We stopped mid-way up when Harper called out. She wanted us to watch a Christmas movie with her. A story about a boy, his B.B. gun, and shooting his eye out. So, we spent the next hour and a half indulging the sweet little lady instead of each other.

  The companionship from our friends and family during this time causes a full-on smile to emerge across my lips. Something I’ve been doing a hell of a lot lately. I’m just so damn grateful for every one of them.

  Sharing this significant time closes the last layer of the deep hole in my heart. Finally covering up the large crater, sealing the scars forever. I feel strong and complete. I’m Superman.

  It’s been just over a month since the Cabriccis invaded homestead. A month since I thought my life was over again. Things can change on a dime, the circle of life and all.

  Fallyn Blackwood is finally completely mine. After today, she’ll be legally mine forever.

  Harper showed up a day after the incident. True to his word, Lukas escorted her safely to homestead, back to her momma.

  MacGyver tagged along and didn’t leave. The little dickcheese. He’s given me a wide birth; at least he’s smart. I’m still pissed that Paul has my little cub twisted up. I see the signs. The looks, the unspoken words. I mean, he’s a good kid, but I just can’t shake the feeling that no one will ever be good enough for my Harper.

  Yeah, that’s the way I’m thinking these days. They’re a package deal. I’m going to have an instant family. I couldn’t ask for more. I couldn’t expect any better. The Blackwood girls stole my heart, replaced it with their dreams, and I can’t wait to give them the world.

  Matilda and Jocelyn arrived a couple of days later. My home has been inundated with Blackwood women, and I’m loving every minute of it. Even if I’m a little crazy because of it.

  Fallyn was shocked initially by seeing her family again. I can’t blame her. The reunion was imprinted on my brain and will stick with me forever. The emotional homecoming was full of a whole lot of tears.

  In the end, the family’s back to together. Half of it, anyway. Fallyn isn’t ready for her mom and dad to know yet, and I respect that. I’m thankful I had a hand in bringing her back to them.

  I’ve talked to Harper, and believe it or not, she’s in my corner. Thinking about my little cub causes my heart to skip. I’ve commandeered the nickname little cub, and she loves the attention.

  Harper is amazing and agreed to allow me the honor of adopting her. To officially become her dad and to accept my last name. I’m more than ready to assume the responsibility. It’s like I’ve been preparing for this my whole life, and I recognize the importance of the role.

  The epic conversation with Harper thrilled me to the core. She acts so grown up for her mere sixteen years. It’s at the top of my list of most favorite moments in time.

  About a week ago, I entered the great room. It was late morning, and Harper was planted on the chair closest to the window. Her gaze fixated on the vast floor-to-ceiling windows. She paused and peered up to where I stood.

  “Little cub, let’s talk,” I said as I strolled further into the room. My nerves on high alert, hoping I’d formulate the right words and everything would go off without a hitch.

  “What’s up, Ollie,” Harper asked.

  “Just need to talk, is all. You up for a stroll in the woods, lil’ cub. There’s hot chocolate with marshmallows involved.”

  Harper’s blue gaze found mine. A spark of excitement graced her young face, and she nodded her head in understanding. Getting up from her spot, she placed the book she’d been reading on the table and reached out to grab my waiting hand.

  Outside, Harper and I took pleasure in the crisp, newly fallen snow. The fluffy white blanketed the ground, creating a beautiful illusion of tranquility. Of course, we had a few snowball battles, and I laughed so hard as she covertly struck me from behind. Winning the duel.

  Afterwards, we made snow angels. Yep, I laid on the cold snow right beside her, burning a memory for both of us to talk about for years to come. Something for Harper to hold over my head, no doubt. A profound snapshot in time, for me to be part of her world.

  When we finished up, I bundled Harper in a fleece blanket I’d brought along and poured her a cup of steaming hot chocolate from the thermos. I topped it off with a heaping pile of mini white spongy goodness before handing it to her.

  “So, I was thinkin’,” I started.

  “Yeah, what’s that?” Harper asked and then sipped the steamy liquid. She glanced up at me with a chocolate mustache. Appearing much younger than she is.

  Priceless. I couldn’t help but smile.

  She smiled right back and continued, “I really like it here, by the way. Since we met you, I’ve had the chance to meet my real family. Aunt Jojo, Grandma Matilda. I can’t wait to meet everyone else. It’s all thanks to you, Ollie. I never thought we’d be here. Just wanted you to know. Thank you,” she said.

  Harper’s thank you provoked another wave of love and feelings towards my little girl. I already viewed her as my daughter. The asking was just a formality.

  “It’s good to see you happy, little cub. And I’ve got a proposal for ya. Wanna hear?”

  “Sure, lay it on me, Ollie,” Harper playfully responded as we sat down on the newly constructed bench I made to park down by the creek. A monument erected in memory of the place Fallyn healed me.

  “Okay, it’s like this, Harper.” I gulped the hot liquid into my mouth, and the heat instantly burned my tongue. “Ouch. Hot, hot, hot.” I blew at the cup, and the warmth assisted in pushing me forward. �
�I was wonderin’, if it’s okay with you, would it be alright if I married your momma?”

  I was startled as she jumped into my arms. Her gangly legs dangled, while her skinny arms clasped tightly around my neck. Harper’s happiness radiated around us. Our hot chocolate forgotten, spilled in the white powder on the ground beside us. I didn’t even care. This was exactly the reaction I’d hoped for.

  “Yes! Absolutely, Ollie, yes! That’s awesome. Oh, my gosh, I’m so happy. Have you asked Momma? Does she know? Of course, she does.”

  Harper’s excitement and animation seeped through her revelry and filled my soul up to the brim.

  I laughed. “Slow down, baby girl. I’ve asked her, but…” I halted, and the seriousness captured me. “I really want your blessing, Harper. I hope you know I love your momma. With everything I am. And I love you, too, little cub. I want us to be a family. I want…” I paused again, because the next little bit of information would either send her screaming or she’d accept my proposition, loving the idea.

  I filled up our spilt cups again with hot chocolate, allowing myself a moment to think.

  “What? Come on and spill it, Ollie. What do you want? Don’t leave me hanging here,” Harper appealed.

  She accepted the piping-hot cup from my outstretched hand. An earnest expression graced her young, beautiful face.

  “I want to be your, umm, dad.”

  Fear clogged my voice as I blew out an exhale, my tongue still sensitive from the burn. I waited, desperately hoping she’d say yes.

  “My…dad? That means, what exactly?” my little cub questioned, her eyes a myriad of hope and promise.

  “I’d like to be your dad. For you to take my name, like your momma. I realize you’ve never had a father in your life, but if you’ll let me, I’ll make you proud, baby cub. I’ll never let you down,” I explained to Harper.

  If she wanted me, I was all hers.

  Harper sat silently beside me for a while. She sipped at the steamy chocolate. Her gaze traveled around the snow-filled bank, while the tinkling sounds of the creek continued to bubble and flowed freely, even in the frigid temperatures of winter.

  I wasn't sure what was playing through her mind, but I hoped her silence was a good thing. I reached up and swiped the sweat that formed on my brow. I was as nervous as a rooster in a hen house.

  “Okay, Ollie. Ahem, Papa Bear,” Harper answered on a whisper with a gleam in her playful eyes.

  Another perfect day.

  It’s zero six-thirty. The yellow-orange hazy winter sun is beginning its descent behind the Ozark Mountains. All our friends are here. Even Matilda flew back this morning just to be with us. Jo, Keagan, Sage, and Lukas are present. I even tolerate a sappy MacGyver today, as long as he steers clear of my little cub.

  When I told Fallyn this morning about my plan, she was crazy excited. I couldn’t believe she would be okay with the wedding Harper and I planned, but wonders never cease. She was moved and excited as she threw herself into my arms.

  Initially, she wanted to elope at the courthouse. And, really, I was good with that. However, the more I contemplated Fallyn settling for that kind of wedding, the clearer it was that she deserved the real deal.

  As I walk into the sizable great room of my cabin, the tall windows overlooking the mountain view are lined with twinkling lights. Jocelyn wanted to help Harper with the decorating, and by the looks of it, they nailed our vision to a T.

  The sparkling lights outline each window pane, along with incandescent lighting roped across the open space. How the hell they accomplished the task is beyond me. I’m guessing they recruited help from Keagan and the other brothers.

  An archway of flowers dons the entrance, and the platform is stationed right in front of the windows. A view of God and country displays through the windows, here to witness our union.

  Floral-wrapped chairs line the large room, replacing my furniture that recently occupied the space. The scents of strawberries and vanilla permeate the air. A sense of home, a reminder of Fallyn.

  My mom walks up as I approach the open area.

  “Oliver Reed Bishop. My beautiful baby boy. I’m so glad to finally be here, with you. Celebrating,” Mom says, and her eyes sparkle with unshed tears. Tom stands proudly by her side.

  “Mom. Thanks for helping and being here,” I say as I crush her into my awaiting arms. I shake Tom’s outstretched hand.

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world, baby. And just so you know, I’ve just had a little chit chat with the lovely Fallyn Blackwood. There isn’t a finer woman than that girl, Ollie. You really did good. I know Taylor would be happy for you, Oliver,” Mom whispers the last part into my ear.

  I stop squeezing her and contemplate the idea of Mom’s statement. It’s true. My best friend and lover from long ago would love Fallyn. In this moment, the stark feeling of contentment washes over me. I feel Taylor’s spirit here with me as I experience the sensation she’s at peace with my choice.

  “Thanks, Mom. I love you,” I softly speak into her ear and kiss the side of her check as I walk to the large glass windows.

  The sun’s barely visible from behind the mountain scape, only a glimpse remains. The procession begins as the wedding march filters throughout the room. The pounding in my heart beats so loudly in my ears, I’m sure everyone is privy to my anxiety.

  It’s time.

  My wedding day.

  I’m not worried one iota about marrying Fallyn, my little vixen. I’m not concerned about the responsibility that comes with becoming Harper’s dad. I welcome it.

  The electrified energy rolling off me is created by this incredible circumstance. Fallyn becoming my wife. Fallyn accepting all of me. Fallyn, Harper and me becoming a family.

  Gazing around the room at the friends and family who fill up the space, I’m humbled by their support. Most of the friends present I call family, even though not by blood.

  Grady and Kendall are located in the second row. Kendall’s round belly jets out, and I follow Grady’s hand reaching out to touch her protruding abdomen. She’s gorgeous, carrying Bulldog’s child. It’s a beautiful sight to behold.

  Rocky and Sarabeth, along with Shannon and Moose, fill up some of the other chairs in the room.

  Keagan and Lukas stand proudly right beside me, collective in the status of best man. Jocelyn and Sage are to the left, acting as maids of honor for Fallyn. Grandma Matilda, which is what she has requested for me to call her, sits stoically in the front row. Her expression is placid and happy. This is the moment we've all been waiting for.

  As the march plays on, I catch sight of my beautiful Fallyn as she moves elfin-like and effortlessly down the aisle. Her face is glowing, exhibiting the happiness she’s feeling. She’s grasping tightly to a self-assured, adorable Harper Lee. The same little lady who insisted on giving her momma away.

  The two proceed closer, and all my dreams begin to run rampant across my mind. Vacations. College. More children? Fallyn being the last person I see every night before I close my eyes. The two of us sitting out on the porch in our matching rocking chairs, grey hair, wrinkled skin. Our love ageless.

  My breath catches from their beauty. This is my family. My future.

  When Fallyn finally arrives, Frank Johnson, aka California, who is officiating our union, speaks.

  “Welcome! Today, we gather here in love and heartfelt joy as we join Fallyn Blackwood and Oliver Bishop in holy matrimony,” Frank remarks.

  The small crowd erupts in applause, and a smile blasts out from my face. I’m grinning like a peacock who’s found his mate.

  “Friends and family, brothers, your presence here is a testimony to who Oliver and Fallyn are as people. Your love and support paramount in who they are. Today, Fallyn and Oliver begin a new life together. Knowing that all things are possible and their dreams will be lifted through love. It's the magical beginning of a beautiful love story. One that will transcend time.”

  My eyes lock onto Fallyn’s hazel gaze, each of u
s mesmerized by the other. Her heart is on display for all to see, and my throat constricts from the vision and blessing this small, fiery woman signifies.

  Frank continues, “Marriage is cherishing each other from the moment you say ‘I do’. It's the sharing of all life's troubles and happiness.”

  I tremble from the impact of California’s words. From the look in Fallyn’s expression, she’s touched by the weight of his remarks as well. Satisfaction and pleasure produce a well of tears in her hazel orbs. Promising me a lifetime of faithfulness and love.

  “Oliver and Fallyn, you are placing yourself, your life, and your love into the hands of the one who loves you with all their heart. To the whole world, you are individuals, but to each other, you are the whole world. Oliver, Fallyn, are you willing to give your life to the one whose heart you hold?”

  “Yes, we are,” our voices sound off in unison as our spoken words merge and bind us together.

  We exchange rings, say the rest of our vows, and life feels exactly right.

  At the close of our ceremony, Frank releases the commemoration to me.

  With trembling hands, I grab hold of Fallyn’s shaking ones. Peering into her enchanting depths, I start, “I was searching, always lost, until I found you. You’re the ‘light’ in my moonlight, Vixen.”

  Fallyn’s misty eyes reflect the passion in my own, and she continues with our teasing.

  “You’re the ‘thunder’ in my thunderstorm, cowboy.”

  “You’re the cheese in my macaroni,” I reply.

  “You’re the ‘blue’ in my blueberry.”

  “You’re the jelly in my peanut butter, baby.”

  “You’re the ‘hero’ in my superhero, Ollie,” Fallyn finishes perfectly.

  Hearty cheering and laughter explode in the huge room as I lean down, placing my mouth onto Fallyn’s glossy, red lips. The passionate kiss that ensues triggers my body’s automatic response, heating me up to molten lava. I press up closer to her. Fallyn’s delicate hands manage to push lightly against my chest, reminding me of everyone present.